LAB COLOUR

Definition: L*a*b* is a colour model developed by the Centre Internationale D'Éclairage (CIE). These standards are internationally accepted standards for all colormetric measurements. The Lab model, like other CIE colour models, defines colour values mathematically, in a device independent manner. Lab colour is consistent colour regardless of the device producing the colour.

LAG TIME

Definition: Probably the biggest single complaint from digital camera owners is the lag time, the delay from pressing the shutter release to the camera actually taking the shot. This delay varies between camera models, the good news being that manufacturers are addressing this issue and newer digital cameras lag time is decreasing.

LAMP

Definition: A general term used to decribe the various kinds of artificial light sources used in photography.

LAMP BLACK

Definition: pure carbon pigment, made from soot deposited from burning oils.

LAMP HOUSE

Definition: light tight housing of an enlarger or projector, which contains the light source.

LAN

Definition: An acronym for Local Area Network. A communication networks that's physically connected by cables and confined to a single office or a single building. It enables a group of computer to exchange files and share peripherals.

LANDSCAPE, LANDSCAPE MODE

Definition: The orientation of an image that is wider than it is tall; a setting controlling an output device to properly fit a computer document to the print medium.

LANTERN SLIDES

Definition: Is a old term used to described transparencies.

LARGE FORMAT CAMERA

Definition: Is a general term for any camera having a picture format of 4x5 inches or larger.

LASER

Definition: abbreviation for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

LASSO

Definition: Image editing tool used to select areas of an image for moving or cropping.

LATENSIFICATION

Definition: method of increasing relative film speed by fogging after exposure and before development. It can be achieved by chemical or light means.

LATENT IMAGE

Definition: An image formed by the changes to the silver halide grains in photographic emulsion on exposure to light. The image is not visible until chemical development takes place.

Definition: The invisible image left by the action of light on photographic film or paper. The light changes the photosensitive salts to varying degrees depending on the amount of light striking them. When processed, this latent image will become a visible image either in reversed tones (as in a negative) or in positive tones (as in a color slide).

Definition: invisible image produced by exposure which can be made visible by development.

LATERAL REVERSAL

Definition: mirror image reversal of the subject from left to right, as found in the viewfinders of some reflex cameras.

Definition: A mirror image, as seen in the viewfinders of some cameras where the scene appears flipped from left to right.

LATITUDE

Definition: Is the degree by which exposure can be varied and still produce an acceptable image. The degree of latitude varies by film type. Faster films tend to have greater latitude than slower films.

Definition: The ability of a film to record an image satisfactorily if exposure is not exactly correct. Black and white and color print films have more latitude than color transparency films, and fast films have greater latitude than slow ones.

LCD

Definition: Liquid Crystal Display: a low-power monitor often used on the top and/or rear of a digital camera to display settings or the photo itself.

Definition: liquid crystal diode. LCD is an electronic solid state display system commonly used for the face of wrist watches, and also used to display exposure information in the viewfinder of most modern day cameras. A surface can be temporarily changed from transparent to dense black by application of a charge. The LCD can be programmed to display any required black shape.

LCD PANEL

Definition: Liquid Crystal Display on cameras that shows such information as remaining exposures, flash status and aspect ratio selected.

LCD SCREEN

Definition: Liquid Crystal Display screen found on many digital cameras that allows previewing or reviewing of images. The screen also serves as a monitor for the interface of some camera controls. Different types exist: TFT (Thin Film Transistor) and DSTN (Double Super Twisted Nemantic) are the most common. The TFT screen is brighter and has superior colour and contrast to the DSTN. However, TFT consumes more electricity than DSTN.

LEAD ACETATE

Definition: crystalline, highly poisonous powder used in some toning and intensifying solutions.

LEADER

Definition: beginning of a roll of film, which is attached to the camera's take up spool.